Details about MTV’s new Fear Factor, hosted by Ludacris

In March, I reported that Fear Factor was making another return to television, and today MTV announced details about the new show, which will be hosted by Ludacris and feature pop culture-themed challenges.

The new series, which premieres May 30, is “custom-created for a generation that is increasingly empowered, while also more anxious than ever,” according to MTV.

The “empowered” part seems like marketing language and not really substantive change, because MTV/VH1/Logo president Chris McCarthy says in his press release quote that he wants “to energize this franchise for a whole new generation,” so “we are putting the power in our audience’s hands to face and overcome their biggest fears.”

And just how does that differ from the previous versions of Fear Factor? Haven’t viewers always had the power to apply, and don’t contestants always had the power to face their fears? It’s not like Joe Rogan was pushing people out of helicopters against their will.

Fear Factor, now with new, themed challenges

That said, the new challenges do sound interesting—they’re themed to play off of anxiety (losing one’s phone) and popular culture such as viral videos.

Here’s how the network described the new format in the press release:

“Filled with new stunts inspired by urban legends, popular scary movies and viral videos from today’s cultural zeitgeist, Fear Factor contestants will confront their fears, be pushed beyond their comfort zones and take action against some of their biggest stressors.

… Nothing will be off limits as MTV aims to hit on youth tension points with challenges including ‘Roach-ella,’ ‘Trap Queen,’ and personal cell phone rescues at heights of over one hundred feet, to name a few. In each episode, contestants will pair up into four teams—siblings, college rivalries, roommates, best friends, co-workers and exes and more—battling it out for fifty thousand dollars of cold hard cash and Fear Factor bragging rights.”

reality TV news and reviews, in your inbox

One hand-crafted message sent every Friday. Free. Subscribe now:

discuss this story

about Andy Dehnart

Andy Dehnart’s writing and criticism about television, culture, and media has appeared on NPR and in The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Pacific Standard, and other publications. He has covered reality television for more than 18 years, and created reality blurred in 2000.

A member of the Television Critics Association, Andy, 40, directs the journalism program at Stetson University in Florida, where he teaches creative nonfiction and journalism. He has an M.F.A. in nonfiction writing and literature from Bennington College. More about reality blurred and Andy.

stay connected with reality TV

Get advice about what to watch and keep up with the latest in reality television with reality blurred's e-mail newsletter. Just enter your e-mail address:

about reality blurred

reality blurred is your guide to the world of reality TV and unscripted entertainment, with reality show reviews, news, and analysis. It was created in 2000 by Andy Dehnart. He's still writing and publishing it today.

reality blurred is regularly updated with highlights from the world of reality TV: news and analysis; behind-the-scenes reports; interviews with reality TV show cast members and producers; and recaps and reviews of these reality TV shows, including Survivor, Big Brother, The Great British Baking Show, Shark Tank, The Amazing Race, The Bachelor, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars, Top Chef, and many more.